Top Strains for Diabetes

The first thing that came to mind when writing this article was “Can a diabetic smoke marijuana?”.

By that, we don’t mean “can,” as obviously you can, but rather is smoking cannabis a good idea for a type 1 or 2 diabetics. At first, you might think that the immediate answer is NO, especially as marijuana tends to bring on the munchies which aren’t good for diabetics. But when examining recent studies, findings are painting an entirely different picture.

Medical Research on Cannabis and Diabetes

Unlike other medical conditions, quite a few studies have been conducted on the connection between cannabis and diabetes. Even though there is still quite a lot of conflicting evidence on marijuana’s role in delaying the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, current studies are showing that it is beneficial for those already diagnosed with type 2 or type 1 diabetes.

In 2013 the results of a 5-year study were released showing that out of 4657 respondents, of which 2554 had used cannabis, those that had used marijuana had 16% lower fasting insulin levels as well as having 17% lower levels of insulin resistance and higher levels of HDL-C.

Another study showed in 2013, that cannabis compounds may help control blood sugar. Smoking participants also had higher levels of “good cholesterol” and smaller waistlines. The most significant finding was that marijuana users appeared to have better carbohydrate metabolism than nonusers. Their fasting insulin levels were much lower, and the participants appeared to be less resistant to the natural insulin produced by their body to maintain a healthy blood-sugar level.

In 2015, scientists at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel, released findings showing that the anti-inflammatory properties of cannabidiol (CBD), could be used to help treat different illnesses including type 2 diabetes.

Why is Marijuana Thought to Be An Effective Treatment?

According to NORML, “Endocannabinoids and their receptors are found throughout the body. In each tissue, the cannabinoid system performs different tasks, but the goal is always the same: homeostasis, the maintenance of a stable internal environment despite fluctuations in the external environment. Cannabinoids promote homeostasis at every level of biological life, from the sub-cellular to the organism, and perhaps to the community and beyond.”

This led them to believe that small regular doses of cannabis might act as a tonic to our most central physiologic healing system.

Which Marijuana Strains Work Best?

Now that we understand that marijuana is assumed to have a positive effect on people with diabetes, does this mean that you should head out to your local pot dealer and smoke weed day and night? Heavens No!

Similar to any condition it is important to understand the side-effects of each marijuana strain and learn which strains work best for you.

Furthermore, dosing is a major factor when it comes to treating different medical conditions. It is always best to schedule an appointment with a marijuana doctor to receive a consultation before any cannabis intake. This is because one of the major risk factors of marijuana use with diabetes is hypoglycemia, a situation where the marijuana causes your blood glucose (sugar) levels to drop too low.

Top Marijuana Strains for Diabetes

It is also important to understand that while specific marijuana strains may not have an effect on diabetes, marijuana “may” help reduce blood glucose levels, feel better, reduce stress and other conditions that may spark your diabetes.

Harlequin (The Rare Cannabis Strain)

Harlequin is an excellent choice for diabetes patients because of its high CBD and low THC content (5 to 2 ratio). It has 75% Sativa and provides a feeling of relaxation. This High CBD cannabis strain will not cause a psychoactive high but rather help prevent your diabetes from getting out of hand. It is the perfect relaxation pill and is ideal for dealing with stress.

Green Crack (The Best Day Cannabis Strain)

If you need to stay focused but want a strain that delivers the goods, then this herb of pure goodness will do the trick. Green Crack is well known for treating fatigue and depression and is known to help people who have diabetes due to its happy and energetic effects.

Blue Dream (The All Purpose Cannabis Strain)

Go into any dispensary, with any condition, and you’ll immediately get recommended Blue Dream Marijuana Strain – and there is a reason for that. Blue Dream is the most widely used cannabis strain and is a preferred choice for people who have diabetes. This marijuana strain is a Sativa-dominant hybrid, and it is perfect for lowering the stress. It is also known for helping with depression and headaches, conditions often associated with diabetes.

Doug’s Varin (The Cannabis Strain That is Known to Improve Fasting Insulin Levels and Reduce Blood Glucose)

While this cannabis strain is tough to find, it is known to be very effective in treating diabetes due to its high levels of THCV. In a study of 62 diabetic patients, scientists found that THCV treatment successfully improved fasting insulin levels and reduced blood glucose.

Doug’s Varin contains both THCV and THC, and the combination is perfect for achieving a high that is medicinal and satisfying.

Cannatonic (The Ultimate Medical Cannabis Strain)

We couldn’t compile a list of medical marijuana strains without adding Cannatonic. This cannabis strain is extremely popular for its healing properties, due to its high CBD/THC ratio of (6-17% CBD). This hybrid cannabis strain is used to treat a variety of medical patients including those who suffer from diabetes, anxiety, chronic pain, and muscle spasms.